For this study, the PNNL team studied the effect of replacing aluminum-frame double-pane windows, which are common in homes across the country, with newer, triple-pane windows, also known as highly insulating windows. The team found that the newer windows slash energy use in the home by 12.2 percent. But because of the cost of the highly insulating windows, it would take anywhere from 23 to 55 years for the reduced energy cost to make up for the increased expense.
So the comparison was presumably between poorly designed aluminium double glazing and thermal break triple glazing. Would have been interesting to see the thermal break advantage alone...
Probably even worse 'payback' period here in Australia due to the higher prices, although a relevant comparison here would be between traditional single glazing and thermal break double glazing. Triple Glazed is available though...
Posted Friday 20 Dec 2013 @ 11:35:24 pm from IP
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